Cbeyond (News - Alert), a provider of VoIP access and SIP trunking solutions, recently announced it has been ranked among the top five competitors in the 2012 North America VoIP access and SIP trunking services market.

The company also received 2012 North American Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) Award for Competitive Strategy Leadership.

The research agency found the company’s use of direct sales and a steadfast focus on its core customer segment has resulted in steady, measured growth and market share success despite the growing threats from telecommunications carriers and other incumbent service providers.

According to Frost & Sullivan research analyst Michael Brandenburg, “a strong customer base serves Cbeyond well as it provides customer and competitive insight, which the company uses to evolve its offerings, identifying new service opportunities in key customer segments."

Another reason behind Cbeyond’s growth is the close relationship the company maintains with customers through direct sales. This strategy, according to Frost & Sullivan, gives the company a unique view into customer’s strategic plans so it can evolve to meet their demands. Further, it also enables the company to monitor competitors’ activities that might be attempting to encroach on its customers.

Cbeyond has also succeeded in identifying the latest market trends through market research. This has helped the company validate emerging opportunities and threats to its core markets, as well as to understand the greater affects of macro market forces on its initiatives.

"We are proud of our heritage as a pioneer in Voice over IP technology, and we leverage that same heritage to bring value and innovation to our customers every day," said Chris Gatch (News - Alert), Cbeyond's chief technology officer, in a statement. "Cbeyond is the right partner to help small and mid-sized businesses make the jump to SIP Trunking and hosted telephony services, and to derive the maximum benefits these services provide."